jitter reduction?

Jitter is definitely audible..it doesn't take a big buck system to hear it either. Just a very simple one will allow you to hear the differences in lowering the jitter.One that doesn't use a processor as a preamp would be a good start. I find most or all the preamp processors I've heard mask or strip the music of its essence...all the while adding noise. I doubt anyone using one of these for two channel music could hear any differences in jitter.

As stated above...more focus in the sound stage is one of positive effects of lower jitter. Having auditioned one of Steve's Dacs...this guy knows what he's talking about!

Just using your Mac's HD as a transport will be better than the average CD transport.

I'm not saying DSPs are bad. They have their place in audio. For HT.. DSPs are great! None of them I've heard do well with 2 channel music. I owned Meridian and friend owns Lexicon. Dealer friend carried McIntosh and now carries Anthem DSPs. I've heard quite a few over the years.

I'm not totally against DSP. I've recently been playing with the idea of buying a second pair of speakers that use active crossovers. I would of course still use the analog inputs of the active crossovers and a analog style preamp.

The Dacs in these units at least IMHO still leave something to be desired in musical enjoyment. Now if someone can talk Steve into modding the digital crossovers and offering it at an affordable price for the average Joe(like myself)..we're in business! LOL

All I can say is you'll have to put the papers down some day and listen for yourself.From your statement "there are a lot of DSP amps out in the market today in HT setups"...you are correct..key word being HT.

Good listening